Do I Need A Total Knee Replacement?
A total knee replacement is a procedure that removes damaged bone and cartilage from the knee joint and replaces it with an implant. This procedure is one of the most common (and successful) joint replacement surgeries performed in the United States. However, joint replacement surgery is still a significant step.
Here are some signs it’s time to speak with your orthopaedic joint replacement expert about getting a total knee replacement.
When to Consider a Total Knee Replacement
The primary condition that causes people to consider knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition. It occurs when a lifetime of active living or a past orthopaedic trauma wears away the cartilage in the knee joint. This causes the femur and the tibia to rub against each other, damaging the bones in the joint.
Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis typically begin gradually and then worsen over time. Patients often report the following in the knee joint:
Pain after activity or after long periods of rest
Swelling
Instability
Grinding, popping, or clicking sensation
Joint locking or catching
Stiffness
Deformity, such as knock-knees or bow-legs
Decrease in range of motion
There is no cure for osteoarthritis. The condition’s progression can be slowed in the early stages, and its symptoms treated nonsurgically. These treatments include:
Weight loss
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy
Steroid Injections
Even with conservative treatments, osteoarthritis can progress to the point where it starts to impact your daily life. When this occurs, it’s time to speak with your physician about your surgical options, including a total knee replacement.
How Do I Get a Total Knee Replacement?
The first step towards being approved for a total knee replacement is scheduling a consultation with an orthopaedic physician. At his practice at The Steadman Clinic, Dr. Cafferky and his team will diagnose the severity of your damaged knee joint through:
A thorough medical history
A physical examination of your knee
Ordering imaging tests, such as x-rays and MRIs
After diagnosing your condition, Dr. Cafferky will speak with you about your outcome goals and work with you to recommend the best course of treatment. Good candidates for a total knee replacement include:
People 50-80 years old
Patients whose arthritis no longer responds to conservative treatment
Experience severe knee pain that impacts their day-to-day function
Imaging tests show joint degeneration
If you qualify for knee replacement surgery, your procedure will be scheduled by Dr. Cafferky’s team. This procedure is outpatient, usually taking only a few hours. Total knee replacements are among the most successful surgical procedures performed, with several patients reporting relief from their arthritic knee pain hours after their procedure.
Consult With the Top Joint Reconstruction Expert in Colorado
If you’re ready to return to the activities you love (pain-free), contact Team Cafferky today! Dr. Cafferky is known throughout the United States for his skill, compassion, and dedication to patients. Schedule your appointment today by calling (970) 476-1100 or through his online appointment request form.
